Spain
Southern Spain Yesterday & Today: Madrid, Granada & Seville
Program No. 2217560MEADV-0219
From olive groves to world-renowned cathedrals, Southern Spain is a diverse region just waiting to be explored. Discover the very best of Madrid, Granada and Seville!
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800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 17 - Mar 29, 2025
Starting at
5,449May 5 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
5,449DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 17 - Mar 29, 2025
Starting at
6,499May 5 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
6,499Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
13 days
12 nights
21 meals
11B 7L 3D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
The Prado, Free afternoon
Madrid
5
Toledo
Madrid
13
Program Concludes
Departure
At a Glance
Glorious Gothic cathedrals, intricately detailed synagogues, traditional Moorish neighborhoods and ancient Roman ruins: The icons of Southern Spain are a testament to its distinct history of conquest, culture and art. Discover the unique legacy and exuberant modern life in Madrid, Granada and Seville through expert-led walks, lectures and excursions. Join us to learn about some of the most diverse and exciting cities in all of Europe.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Participants should be able to walk approximately three to five miles a day and stand for at least 60-90 minutes at a time over the course of a 13 day program. Many cobblestones, steep slopes and other uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens.
- Explore the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the world’s leading art museums.
- Spend an exciting evening seeing flamenco dance in Seville, and meet a local expert for a visit to the Alcázar Royal Palace.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Deborah Cole
Deborah Cole Díaz has been teaching Spanish history and geography for more than 22 years, at both the university and high school levels. She has found that lecturing with Road Scholars is by far the most fulfilling and enjoyable. Road Scholars are special, not simply interested in passing exams or obtaining diplomas, but are here to learn. They ask the most pertinent and interesting questions, both in the classroom and during field trips. Indeed, they want to understand the connection of history to contemporary events.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Deborah Cole
View biography
Deborah Cole Díaz has been teaching Spanish history and geography for more than 22 years, at both the university and high school levels. She has found that lecturing with Road Scholars is by far the most fulfilling and enjoyable. Road Scholars are special, not simply interested in passing exams or obtaining diplomas, but are here to learn. They ask the most pertinent and interesting questions, both in the classroom and during field trips. Indeed, they want to understand the connection of history to contemporary events.
Elena Moro
View biography
Elena Moro, born in Australia to an Andalusian family, is a professional Flamenco dancer. She began at the age of 5 and has toured all over Australia and parts of Asia with a Flamenco dance company. After many years traveling back and forth with dance scholarships, Elena now lives in Seville. She has worked with Road Scholar for almost ten years as a Group Leader and travelled to most parts of Spain.
Maria Blanco
View biography
Maria Blanco was born and raised in Extremadura, a region located north of Andalusia and east of Portugal. She studied art and graphic design at the University of Seville and at universities in England and the Netherlands. Throughout her professional career, she has combined her work as a group leader with other artistic and graphic design functions. Maria is passionate about the simple pleasures of life, especially music, art and, meeting people who provide her new perspectives.
Francisco García
View biography
Francisco García was born in Madrid and received his B.A. in history from The Complutense University in Madrid. He then continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in medieval history; he also lectured there. He spent all of 1997 at the University of California in Berkeley on a Fulbright Investigative Scholarship. He is presently a professor at St. Louis University, Madrid Campus as an expert on the history of Spain.
Suggested Reading List
(15 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Southern Spain Yesterday & Today: Madrid, Granada & Seville
Program Number: 22175
If I lived in Spain
Verses describe family life, school, shopping, and other aspects of everyday life in Spain, and introduce some basic Spanish words and phrases
South From Granada: Seven Years in a Andalusian Village
Part autobiography, part travelogue, and wholly a tribute to the unspoilt beauty of southern Spain
Travelers' Tales: Spain: True Stories of Life on the Road
Journey into Spain with some of the world’s best writers, and discover a country of heightened senses, bougainvillea blossoming in crimson and orange, and air pungent with sizzling olive oil. Readers travel the ancient road to Santiago, get a glimpse of Pamplona during the running of the bulls, walk in Don Quixote’s footsteps on a midlife quest, and follow a woman’s dream to study the “male” art of flamenco guitar. These soulful stories of travel in a land poised between the old world and new. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Barbara Kingsolver, Calvin Trillin, and Penelope Casas are among the authors featured.
Mythology and History in the Great Paintings of the Prado
This selection from the master paintings of the Prado provides an opportunity for the reader to explore two fascinating themes represented in the collection: mythology and history. In addition to enjoying the pictures for their aesthetic qualities, the reader is drawn into what lies behind them, and the context within which they were created
The Train in Spain
The bestselling author Christopher Howse makes ten great railway journeys that explore the interior of the peninsula, its astonishing landscapes and ancient buildings.The focus is the way the Spanish live now.
The Arts of Intimacy: Christian, Jews and Muslims in the Making of Castilian Culture
The authors paint a portrait of the culture through its arts, architecture, poetry and prose, uniquely combining literary and visual arts. Concentrating on the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the book reveals the extent to which Castilian identity is deeply rooted in the experience of confrontation, interaction, and at times union with Hebrew and Arabic cultures during the first centuries of its creation. Abundantly illustrated, the volume serves as a splendid souvenir of southern Spain; beautifully written, it illuminates a culture deeply enriched by others.
The New Spain: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Spanish Wine
Spain: What Everyone Needs to Know
Spain has undergone significant transformations over the past three decades, from a dictatorship to a democracy and from a mostly local and agriculture-based economy to one of the biggest financial systems in the EU and internationally. Until 2008, it enjoyed a major influx of foreign investment and the most rapid economic growth of any of the countries in the EU, resulting in half of the new jobs created during the early days of the Union. Yet, it now faces the highest rate of unemployment in Europe and slow growth for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the country faces internal strife from the separatist Catalan region and stringent austerity measures.
Golden Age Spain
For over a century Spain controlled the greatest empire the world had ever seen, and its collapse provoked, both then as it does now, a range of analyses over which there has been little agreement. In the second edition of this successful text, Henry Kamen asks: was the Golden Age of Spain in the sixteenth century actually an illusion? By examining some of the key issues involved, Kamen offers a balanced discussion of this fundamental question.
Rivers of Gold. The Rise of the Spanish Empire
A history of Spain's first thirty years in the Americas traces Columbus's famous pioneering voyage through Magellan's first circumnavigation of the earth, in an account that offers insight into the period's political climate and profiles the era's monarchs and explorers.
Tales of The Alhambra
Fiction
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Fiction
Moorish Architecture of Andalusia
Moorish-Andalusian art and architecture combine elements of various traditions into a new, autonomous style. Among the outstanding architectural witnesses to this achievement are the Great Mosque in Cordova and the Alhambra in Granada, recognized and admired as part of the world's heitage right up to the present day. They are described in detail in this book. The main centres of Hispano-Islamic art and architecture, the cities of Cordova, Seville and Granada, are discussed within the chronological framework of developments, both political and cultural, from 710 to 1492.
Tapas: The Lilttle Dishes of Spain
Penelope Casas, who introduced the classic little dishes of Spain to American cooks more than twenty years ago, now gives us a splendid updated edition of that seminal book with fifty exciting new recipes and eight full pages of new color photographs showing tapas in all their glory.
The Spanish Civil War: A very short introduction
This Very Short Introduction offers a powerfully-written explanation of the war's complex origins and course, and explores its impact on a personal and international scale
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Madrid
Program Concludes
Departure
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
21
| 11B |
7L |
3D |
Activity Level
Glorious Gothic cathedrals, intricately detailed synagogues, traditional Moorish neighborhoods and ancient Roman ruins: The icons of Southern Spain are a testament to its distinct history of conquest, culture and art. Discover the unique legacy and exuberant modern life in Madrid, Granada and Seville through expert-led walks, lectures and excursions. Join us to learn about some of the most diverse and exciting cities in all of Europe.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens.
- Explore the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the world’s leading art museums.
- Spend an exciting evening seeing flamenco dance in Seville, and meet a local expert for a visit to the Alcázar Royal Palace.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
Deborah Cole
Deborah Cole Díaz has been teaching Spanish history and geography for more than 22 years, at both the university and high school levels. She has found that lecturing with Road Scholars is by far the most fulfilling and enjoyable. Road Scholars are special, not simply interested in passing exams or obtaining diplomas, but are here to learn. They ask the most pertinent and interesting questions, both in the classroom and during field trips. Indeed, they want to understand the connection of history to contemporary events.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Elena Moro
Elena Moro, born in Australia to an Andalusian family, is a professional Flamenco dancer. She began at the age of 5 and has toured all over Australia and parts of Asia with a Flamenco dance company. After many years traveling back and forth with dance scholarships, Elena now lives in Seville. She has worked with Road Scholar for almost ten years as a Group Leader and travelled to most parts of Spain.
Maria Blanco
Maria Blanco was born and raised in Extremadura, a region located north of Andalusia and east of Portugal. She studied art and graphic design at the University of Seville and at universities in England and the Netherlands. Throughout her professional career, she has combined her work as a group leader with other artistic and graphic design functions. Maria is passionate about the simple pleasures of life, especially music, art and, meeting people who provide her new perspectives.
Francisco García
Francisco García was born in Madrid and received his B.A. in history from The Complutense University in Madrid. He then continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in medieval history; he also lectured there. He spent all of 1997 at the University of California in Berkeley on a Fulbright Investigative Scholarship. He is presently a professor at St. Louis University, Madrid Campus as an expert on the history of Spain.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Participants should be able to walk approximately three to five miles a day and stand for at least 60-90 minutes at a time over the course of a 13 day program. Many cobblestones, steep slopes and other uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
21 meals | 11B | 7L | 3D |
7 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Madrid, Orientation & Walk, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Madrid
Meals:
D
Stay:
Melia Serrano
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available by 2:00 PM. Walking approx. 1-2 miles; About 1 hour total
Morning:
Upon arrival, leisurely check-into your room before orientation
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like
Afternoon:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to make suggestions. During many of our visits we will encounter winding or hilly roads, as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. There will be extensive daily walking, often up to 4 miles, approx. 1-4 hours, at a steady pace. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event, we will alert you as quickly as possible. After orientation we’ll set out with our Group Leader for a walking exploration of the area around the hotel.
Dinner:
At a nearby restaurant, we´ll enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages are available for purchase
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Royal Palace, Lectures on Geography & Spain Today
Location:
Madrid
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Melia Serrano
Activity Note
Driving approx. 9 miles total. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including egg dishes, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea and water.
Morning:
We will depart from the hotel by private bus for the Royal Palace to meet a local expert. They will lead our field trip to explore the stunning Royal Palace, the largest in Europe by floor area, with 3,418 rooms covering 1,450,000 square feet (135,000 square meters). It is no longer the royal family's home, but continues to be the site of official ceremonies and state occasions. Built in the 18th Century on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, it was inspired by Bernini’s sketches for the Louvre in Paris with courtyards, galleries and a parade ground. Particularly notable are the Royal Armory, the Hall of Mirrors, masterpieces by Caravaggio, El Greco, de Flandes, Goya, Madrazo, Morales, Rubens, Sorolla, Velázquez, and many more.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the city center, we’ll have a tasty set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will return to the hotel where we will be joined by a local expert on Spanish Culture for a presentation on the geography and early history of the Iberian peninsula. After a short break we´ll have a presentation on contemporary Spain given by the same expert.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
The Prado, Free afternoon
Location:
Madrid
Meals:
B
Stay:
Melia Serrano
Activity Note
Driving approx. 3 miles. Walking up to 2-3 miles; steady pace. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
We will take a private bus to the Prado for an art history class with a local expert. The Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the world’s leading galleries. The superb royal collection was assembled by Hapsburg and Bourbon Spanish monarchs from the 16th to early 19th centuries. The museum opened to the public in 1819 and has collected thousands of paintings since as well as sculptures, prints and drawings. Among the masterpieces are works by Bosch, Dürer, El Greco, Goya, Mantegna, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, Van Eyck, Velázquez, and many more. Nine new galleries have been added since 1950. The Prado has become a prized destination for art lovers.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Madrid.The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Madrid. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Toledo
Location:
Madrid
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Melia Serrano
Activity Note
Driving approx. 50 miles to Toledo, one way; approx. 1h 15m. Walking up to 3-4 miles throughout the day; Steady pace; cobblestone streets and many hills. Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended.
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
Departing from the hotel by private bus for a full-day field trip to explore some of the most important sites in medieval Toledo with its heritage of three co-existing cultures: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. The approach to this World Heritage city provides breathtaking panoramic views. As the UNESCO inscription states, in its 2,000-year history Toledo has been a Roman municipium, capital of the kingdom of the Visigoths, a fortress of the Emirate of Córdoba and an outpost of the Christian kings fighting the Moors. After the Reconquista, remarkable Jewish religious monuments were built at the same time as churches. A local expert will lead our walk through the walled city including the Cathedral, the Sephardic Jewish Museum, and the Church of Santo Tomé with its painting by El Greco. Toledo Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic structures, was built on the site of the Great Mosque which itself stood on the site of a Visigothic church. The Sephardic Museum preserves the legacy of Spanish-Jewish and Sephardic culture, housed in a 14th Century building that was once the Sinagoga del Tránsito, founded by the Jewish treasurer to the king of Castile. Over the centuries, it sheltered Jewish artisans, Moorish master builders, and Christian craftsmen. The Church of Santo Tomé, founded in the 12th Century, was rebuilt in the 14th Century thanks to the generosity of the Count of Orgaz, who is the subject of El Greco’s most famous painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, which hangs in the chapel.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Toledo we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
A short free time in Toledo to explore on your own after lunch. We will return to Madrid late afternoon.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Transfer to Granada, Museum of the Olive Tree Culture
Location:
Granada
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Nh Collection Victoria Granada
Activity Note
Driving about 300 miles to Granada with stops; approx. 5 hours total. Walking up to 2-3 miles throughout the day. Steady pace; Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended.
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
After check-out we’ll transfer by bus to Granada. On route, we will stop near the town of Baeza to explore the Museum of the Olive Tree Culture, situated in the protected environment Complejo Natural de La Laguna. We will learn from an expert about the history and production of this important Spanish export from ancient times to the contemporary era and taste the liquid gold. In the long garden, we will see varieties of olive trees from different Mediterranean countries.
Lunch:
At a nearby restaurant we’ll enjoy a set menu with a choice of beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We expect to arrive in Granada late afternoon. After checking in at the hotel and settling into your room, freshen up and enjoy an orientation about the local program and an introductory walk, followed by some relax time on your own.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Granada. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Alhambra & Generalife, Moorish Spain Lecture
Location:
Granada
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Nh Collection Victoria Granada
Activity Note
Driving approximately 11 miles throughout the day. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; Steady pace; cobblestone streets and many hills. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
The hotel buffet will include breakfast breads and pastries, cereal, butter, jam, coffee, tea, juice and water.
Morning:
With a local expert, we will spend the morning at the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens overlooking Granada. The Alhambra began modestly as a fort around 889 CE. It gradually fell into ruins and was transformed in the 11th century by the Moorish sultan of Granada into a palace. Moorish poets described it as “a pearl set in emeralds.” It later became a royal residence of the Nasrid dynasty but was eventually abandoned after the Christian re-conquest. Finally, it was “rediscovered” in the 19th century and restorations began. Today, it is one of the world’s most significant examples of Islamic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we will explore the adjacent Generalife, the summer palace and private retreat of the sultans. This was where they escaped official court life and its burdens, to relax and reflect amid exceptional man-made beauty.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Back to the hotel where a local expert will join us for a presentation on Moorish Spain, which lasted from 711-1492 CE, and its influences. After the presentation we will enjoy some free time.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own. An opportunity to discover Granada's local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Albayzín, Royal Chapel & Sephardic Museum
Location:
Granada
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Nh Collection Victoria Granada
Activity Note
Driving approximately 8 miles during the day. Walking up to 5 miles; cobblestone streets and many hills. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
After breakfast, we will meet with a local expert for a walk to the Albayzín, with its well-preserved Moorish streets. The Albayzín is Granada's oldest Arab district, situated on the hill across from the Alhambra. In the 13th century it was a prosperous district with a slew of palaces and villas. Later, it became a maze of narrow streets and squares combined with a multitude of whitewashed houses. After the walk there will be a field trip to the Royal Chapel, final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the city center, we’ll have a tasty set menu with a choice of two beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will depart for a walk to the private Sephardic Museum. This tiny private museum opened its doors in 2013. Founded by a Jewish couple, the owners themselves welcome visitors to a typical house where you can see all kinds of objects of day-to-day life, including a collection of objects of Jewish worship, maps and books on Jewish history or traditions. It is located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter through which we will also take a short walk.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local cuisine
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
9
Transfer to Seville, Córdoba Great Mosque & Synagogue
Location:
Seville
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Inglaterra
Activity Note
The transfer to Seville through Córdoba is about 215 miles. Approx. 4 hours total. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Seville, but not before stopping in Córdoba, the crossroads of civilizations, and mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. While here, we’ll enjoy expert-led explorations of the Great Mosque and Cathedral, and pass by one of the last-standing ancient synagogues in Spain. We’ll stroll through the geranium-filled Judería, once Córdoba's Jewish Quarter, and site of a monument to the famous philosopher Maimónides.
Lunch:
At a typical restaurant in Córdoba, we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We expect to arrive in Seville late afternoon. After checking in at the hotel and settling into your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before an orientation about the local program and an introductory walk.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Seville we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Cathedral, Lecture on Bullfighting, Meeting locals
Location:
Seville
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Inglaterra
Activity Note
Walking up to 3-4 miles; cobblestone streets,Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including egg dishes, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
At The Center for Cross-Cultural Studies headquarters (CC-CS) participate in a lively discussion with a specialist expert on the history, culture, and art of bullfighting. Then, we will meet with a local historian who will walk us into the Cathedral, one of the world´s largest and packed with historic treasures and art. The 343-ft bell tower, the Giralda, the symbol of Seville, is in fact all that remains of the mosque built before the Christians conquered the city in 1248. It was used as a cathedral until earthquake damage caused the Christians to start building a Gothic cathedral on the site in 1401. Construction lasted more than 100 years, paid for partly by gold and silver from the New World. One altar is made entirely of Mexican silver.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Afternoon:
Meet with local families, learn all about the realities of family life in Spain, as you enjoy an afternoon snack at their homes.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Alcázar, Jewish Quarter, Flamenco lecture and Show
Location:
Seville
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Inglaterra
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles; cobblestone streets, steps. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet
Morning:
At the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies participate in a lively discussion with a specialist expert on the art of flamenco dance and music. Afterwards we will depart for walk with our Group Leader to the extraordinary Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens and meet a local expert who will guide our explorations. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site incorporates architectural and artistic influences from its beginnings as a Moorish fort into the Middle Ages and on through the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the 19th century. Still used by the royal family, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe and one of the most beautiful with its striking Mudéjar (Moorish influenced) design and ornamentation. Next, we will visit Seville's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio de Santa Cruz. During medieval times, this neighborhood was the Jewish quarter and it is home to many of Seville's oldest churches including the Cathedral that in 1898 became the reputed final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Seville. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will walk to a local “tablao” and see flamenco come alive at a show in a comfortable theater setting.
Dinner:
At a restaurant close to the flamenco show, we’ll have a late dinner of a set menu with a choice of one beverage; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Rest up for our last full day tomorrow!
Day
12
Itálica, Cooking class & Farewell paella lunch
Location:
Seville
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Inglaterra
Activity Note
Driving approx. 14 miles throughout the day. Walking up to 4 miles; cobblestone streets, steps, some inclines. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
We will depart by private bus for a field trip to the Roman ruins of Itálica, just outside Seville, for an expert-led exploration with a local historian of this birthplace of two Roman emperors. Afterwards, we will return to Seville to have a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. We will learn about and cook the most popular traditional Spanish dish: Paella.
Lunch:
Share your favorite experiences with your new Road Scholar friends over a tasty Paella for your Farewell lunch.
Afternoon:
Take the remainder of the afternoon to pack, buy souvenirs, explore on your own or just relax.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Evening:
Prepare for departure in the morning and get a good night's rest.
Day
13
Program Concludes
Location:
Departure
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details/transportation regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program
Morning:
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MEALS
21 Meals
11 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 20, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
- Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- May 05, 2025 - May 17, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- May 26, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
- Oct 20, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025 (Madrid to Departure)
Participant Reviews
Based on 39 Reviews
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I enjoyed the 11 days spent on this program: "Southern Spain Yesterday & Today: Madrid, Granada & Seville," and I would give it 4/5 stars. The traveler needs to be aware that Spain is experiencing a huge influx of tourism, which makes for sights such as the Prado and the Alhambra packed. I don't think I was quite prepared for this aspect. However, if big cities, which are delightfully walkable, appeal to you, then I think you will enjoy visiting these historic Spanish cities. This trip offers a great deal of free time, but too little free time in the lovely cities of Toledo and Cordoba. Hopefully, Road Scholar will find a way to extend this particular program by a day to address this shortcoming.
— Review left October 30, 2024
My wife and I loved this program to Madrid and southern Spain. As a lover of history and art, this program brought my college courses to life. We visited world class museums, cathedrals, mosques and synagogue that were amazing. They were mind blowing incredible! The country is beautiful, the people very friendly and the food very delicious. Road Scholar curated very educational programs, with very knowledgeable expert guides, lecturers and our group leader, Maria Blanco took great care of us.
The program is very well organized, with all the logistics handled, making our travel experience stress-free, relaxing and more enjoyable. This was our second Road Scholar program, and we already have a third program booked for next Spring. One price covers flights, transportation, tickets to all attractions, gratuities included for drivers, restaurant and hotel staff. We will use Road Scholar for all our international travel going forward.
— Review left October 27, 2024
It was a great trip! Maria (our Group Leader) was well-organized, knowledgeable, and helpful. The expert guides were were personable and provided so much in-depth knowledge of the sites we visited.
— Review left April 25, 2024
Wonderful trip! I enjoyed the pace, the leader, the lecturers, the flamenco show and the cooking class.
I wish there were fewer people, about 18 sounds good. I wish there were some additional information that was shared during our nearly five hour drive to Granada.
My name was misspelled on my ticket and there was no person to help me on the weekend. I think you need to rethink this because the emergency people were not authorized to get me a different ticket with my name correctly spelled. This should never have happened if there were someone who rechecked the spelling on tickets at your end. Your staff wanted me to call them from Spain but I didn't have a phone. You should realize that too. Eventually my leader contacted you and you called her phone to talk to me about my return trip, which had to be rebooked. The flight home was uneventful and great.
— Review left March 27, 2024
Southern Spain should be on everyone's bucket list. The history involving the three major religious cultures, unique beautiful architecture, cites and food is an experience anyone interested in Europe should have. The hotels were comfortable and located in the center of the key cities allowing for personal exploration on foot. The guides were wonderful in getting you to the key locations and helping you understand the important features of what you are seeing. While I have enjoyed all of my Road Scholar trips, this is among the best.
— Review left March 25, 2024
This was my first trip. It was all that I was looking for.
— Review left March 24, 2024
The group leader for this program, Luisa Gonzales is simply marvelous! We cannot more highly recommend her. The program is excellent and my wife and I highly recommend it,
— Review left March 19, 2024
While I recommend the places we visited, I would not recommend going in November. Despite bringing puffy jackets (wisely ignoring advice to "bring a sweater for cool evenings"), we alternatively froze in the wind and overheated in museums. Be prepared to wander up and down, back and forth when trying to navigate on your own because streets are not always marked and Google Maps goes a bit crazy. Maybe plan out in advance things you want to see because, while there are way too many afternoons and evenings "on your own," they're usually chopped into bits of time. Also be prepared for a lot of secondhand smoke out on the streets.
— Review left November 18, 2023
Superb overview of southern Spain. Guides and instructors were superb. Fun things added like the cooking class for paella was great!!! Would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to experience Spain.
— Review left November 5, 2023
Excellent educational component, learned a lot about old and new Spain.
— Review left November 3, 2023
This was another great Road Scholar trip, enhanced by the skill and talent of Mariola Alonso, our Group Leader, and the many other presenters and guides. A good trip is also measured by the other participants, who were all wonderful travel companions.
— Review left June 23, 2023
This trip was wonderful and far beyond my expectations. I wanted a tour that emphasized the Moorish history of Spain and this is what the whole tour provided. The guides were highly competent. I highly recommend this tour to friends and would repeat it myself.
— Review left June 22, 2023
Our program, Southern Spain Yesterday & Today, was fun, interesting, and memorable. We saw wonderful works of art and amazing buildings and we walked the narrow, winding streets of centuries-old cities. We developed a love for the culture and landscape of Spain. We will travel to Spain again and we will travel with Road Scholar any time we get the chance!
— Review left June 14, 2023
The sites on this trip are so rich in history and culture, especially The Prado in Madrid, The Alhambra in Granada and the Grand Mosque in Cordova. But the lectures on the flamenco and bullfighting and the demonstration for making paella were also wonderful. Our group leader, Lucia, was a bundle of enthusiasm and enabled us to see some things that were not part of the formal program, such as the Pilgrimage of Rocio through Sevilla and guitar-playing in a 100 year-old tapas bar. Guides and lectures were top-notch as always. This was my 10th Road Scholar trip, and none have been disappointing. Great fellow travelers, too!
— Review left June 11, 2023
Thank you Road Scholar for assembling this Tour. Understanding and seeing Southern Spain was a valuable experience for me. The mixing of cultures is unique to this area and provides learnings for everyone. This Tour provides a good mix of seeing important sites, free time and classroom-type experiences. It’s worth the effort to build up your stamina before the Tour starts.
— Review left May 1, 2023
This was a wonderful trip. There were so many sights and history that I was unaware of. We had perfect weather. Sunny and warm with no rain. The group was a nice size and very compatible. The flight home was difficult because of all the transfers. The hotels were well situated and easy to get around.
— Review left May 1, 2023
This is a fascinating and extremely enlightening program. The history of Spain, in particular the southern part of Spain is amazing and changed so many things in the course of history. Our guide, instructors, and tour leaders were great and all the hotels were centrally located and allowed for a very immersive program.
— Review left April 4, 2023
This is a worth while trip, lots to learn and experience.You must in fairly good shape lots of walking and climbing, but not imposible.You must be ready for the type of food served, but that is what makes traveling so exciting. Enjoy the South of Spain!! Hopefully you will have Olav as your guide he was truly awesome!!!!
— Review left April 2, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this RS to Southern Spain! We're usually independent travelers, so appreciated the free time compared to "usual" group tours. Even better was the group time, activities, seeing-and-learning we had with the RS group. We could have arranged much of this itinerary on our own...and in doing so would have missed SO MUCH context, detail, understanding that we gained from our guides. And we'd have missed meeting several new friends, too!
Leader Covadonga was great: informative, positive, helpful and REALLY good at dealing with 15 all-slightly-different personalities of group members. The local guides assisting Cova' ranged from very good... to absolutely superb. Hotels were very good-to-excellent; provided meals ranged in quality - but sure never lacked in quantity. Every museum, church/mosque, palace/farm, etc., was very much worth seeing (some twice, if I ever get another opportunity).
After this trip, I have a better understanding and appreciation for how much the history and culture of Southern Spain has shaped our world today.
— Review left November 22, 2022
Interesting, enlightening and beautiful ! A great program.
— Review left November 3, 2022
The program provides an excellent introduction to Madrid and Moorish Spain. While there is much more to learn, I thought it was a reasonable introduction to a fascinating subject and area. The logistics and organization of the trip were remarkably well-handled.
— Review left October 30, 2022
A nicely-paced program that enabled us to experience Spain safely, avoid large crowds, and venture out confidently on our own.
— Review left October 30, 2022
We just returned (Oct 2022) from the Southern Spain trip. We had a wonderful time and saw two sites on our bucket list, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and the Alhambra. Covadonga, our trip leader, was outstanding and one of the best (if not the best) of the guides on all trips (this is our 4th RS trip).
— Review left October 20, 2022
I may have missed this point on the survey. The flight arrangements changed often and In the end, I had trouble getting boarding passes at two points in my travel. Second, it would help to get direct flights when possible. I know there are some fro. SFO
— Review left October 18, 2022
What a wonderful trip through the world of Spanish Andalucia! While I went for the Alhambra (magnificent), this trip taught me about the other beautiful aspects of this unique part of Spain / Europe. History, culture, food, art, comparative religions, FLAMENCO! - there is something for everyone here in the Southern part of Spain! Toledo and Cordoba became new favorites. Now I want to go back to see more of Madrid's museums and music venues; Sevilla's rich and fun-filled nightlife; and maybe get a bit further into the villages of Andalucia (Ronda, Malaga...).
— Review left October 17, 2022
I just returned from my RS trip. The leader Covadonga was outstanding! She was positive, friendly, and worked very, very hard to solve any problems. The group was small & I enjoyed them all! The food was delicious too. There was probably too much of it but I am not complaining. I look forward to booking another trip!
— Review left September 27, 2022
This wonderful program is accurately described in the catalog and on the website. Our group leader (Covadanga) and every local guide were outstanding. Accommodations ranged from good (Madrid and Granada) to outstanding (Seville). Be prepared for lots of free time. Road Scholar and the group leader had many excellent suggestions; however, I wish I had done some advanced planning (e.g., getting theater/concert tickets) myself.
— Review left June 7, 2022
This was a fascinating program that exceeded expectations. Our group leader, Covadonga, was fantastic as were the city guides who interpreted the various sights for us in each city. The expert lectures added to our learning. We were on the go each day and yet never felt rushed. This tour includes many World Heritage sights, which are always worthwhile. Spain is a feast for the eyes and, with good weather and everything blooming, early May was an ideal time to visit. Our group members were all considerate and a pleasure to travel with. My husband and I feel our world view was expanded by learning about the history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula through this excellent program. Highly recommended.
— Review left May 16, 2022
The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba are reason alone to take this trip! Unforgettable sites.
— Review left April 11, 2022
Road Scholar definitely lived up to the reputation of being a learning organization. From the structure of the program to the timely lectures and expertly guided tours, education was built into the experience from the ground up and across the entire two weeks. I found the itinerary included all the highlights I would have chosen, plus several hidden gems I might have missed on my own. The excellent planning and execution of the Road Scholar Southern Spain program exceeded my expectations. Finally, our amazing group leader Covadonga Hortal kept all the moving parts on track beautifully, like a swan gliding serenely above the surface while paddling madly below!
— Review left November 21, 2021
This trip is fantastic. Covadonga, our guide was excellent. She is very knowledgable and fun to travel with. The sites in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba and Seville are incredible and the guides and lectures were very informative. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in Spain! FIVE STARS!
— Review left November 18, 2021
There was so much thought and planning poured into this program. I keep telling everyone about the rich history and culture of Spain. I would anyone with the slightest interest to consider Southern Spain. Our experience was so carefully and beautifully executed that I couldn't ask for anything more.
— Review left November 6, 2021
This was a fascinating trip. We learned a great deal about the lasting Moorish/Arabic influences in the history, culture, and language of southern Spain. The guides and instructors were knowledgeable, clear, and relatable. We visited many great palaces, mosques, cathedrals, and gardens. The trip was structured to include opportunities to meet with local families, learn to cook paella and gazpacho, and to experience flamenco. My congenial fellow travelers were intellectually engaging. Our group leader was amazingly patient, dedicated, and able to navigate through any issues for travel in the time of COVID. Road Scholar really did a great job. Fantastic!
— Review left October 28, 2021
This was a wonderful experience. Spain is full of history, palaces, cathedrals, museums, and great food! I enjoyed every place we went, especially the Alhambra, the Mosque-Cathedral, the olive museum, the cooking class, and the visit with the local family. The trip was well organized in every detail. Rocio was a great group leader, and she helped us get our COVID tests so we could go home, which was a great relief. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left October 27, 2021
Southern Spain is fascinating and beautiful, and this trip makes the most of it. The guides and lecturers were excellent, the hotels top notch, the food delicious. There is a lot of walking, but always through intriguing cities, terrific museums and beautiful palaces. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 13, 2019
Each day I asked myself if I could accomplish so much by myself. The answer was always "no". Each day contained activities that were obvious but also many that were more intimate than I could have arranged. I enjoyed every day's activities.
— Review left May 28, 2019
This trip allowed us to experience the art, history, culture and cuisine of southern Spain. The program was led by Rocio, a friendly and well-organized group leader.
— Review left April 17, 2019
Overall an excellent program...coordinator was also excellent!
— Review left April 2, 2019
Lots of history of the Moorish influence in Southern Spain. Enjoyed the classes about the culture of the S. Spanish people and their lives (ie. flamenco dancing, making paella, bull fighting, and touring an olive oil factory).
— Review left April 1, 2019